JP2016519005A - Label printer - Google Patents

Abstract

A cassette including at least a portion that engages a corresponding locking element of the tape printer when correctly positioned in the tape printer, wherein the one portion is a rotational axis of a roll supply stored in the cassette A cassette is provided that includes an elongated conductive bar extending along the cassette in a direction orthogonal to the cassette.

Description

  The present invention relates to a label printer, and more particularly to a label printer with a cassette detecting means and a cassette used in the label printer.

  Label printers that use tape supplies stored in cassettes received within the label printer are known. The tape includes an image receiving layer and a backing layer fixed to each other via an adhesive. Such a label printer includes a cutting mechanism that, after printing an image on the image receiving layer, separates the tape portion having the image so that it can be used as a label. After tape cutting, the separated tape portion is pulled out of the printer through a slit in the printer housing. The backing layer can then be removed so that the image receiving layer can be secured to the object with an adhesive.

  Known label printers include a cassette receiving bay for receiving a printing cassette therein. A print head is provided in the cassette receiving bay for cooperation with a supply of tape for printing. A platen is also provided in the cassette receiving bay at a position opposite to the print head of the tape when the cassette is received in the cassette receiving bay. During printing, the print head cooperates with the platen and prints on tape passing between the print head and the platen. The platen can be driven by a motor that feeds the tape during printing. Alternatively, the platen can be freely rotated and a drive roller can be added to drive the tape during printing.

  In another configuration, the platen may be provided in the cassette. In such a configuration, the tape cooperates with the platen surface. When the cassette is received in the cassette receiving bay, the platen in the cassette cooperates with the drive mechanism in the cassette receiving bay to drive the tape during printing. Alternatively, the platen can be freely rotated and a drive roller can be added to drive the tape during printing. During printing, the print head in the cassette receiving bay cooperates with the platen in the cassette and prints on the tape passing between the print head and the platen.

In some configurations, the print head is movable between a non-printing position and a printing position. In other configurations, the platen is movable between a non-printing position and a printing position. In yet another configuration, the platen and print head are movable together to have non-printing and printing positions.
The tape can be of the direct thermal type where printing is performed by applying heat directly from the printing element onto the printhead. Alternatively, an ink ribbon can be provided, and the ink can be transferred from the ink ribbon to the image receiving tape by applying heat to the ink ribbon via a printing element on the printhead. Rather than a continuous tape, the cassette may include a roll-shaped die cut label.

  All the configurations described above are problematic in that good print quality requires the tape and / or ink ribbon to be accurately aligned with the printhead during printing. Furthermore, in order to improve the print quality, it is necessary to accurately align the tape with the print head and smoothly pass the print head during printing. It is beneficial to prevent the cassette from moving during printing and cutting. Moreover, the cassette position in the cassette receiving bay is limited in advance and should always be easily reproduced when the cassette is inserted into the cassette receiving bay.

This problem is even greater with handheld printers that can be moved during printing. In such devices it is even more important to lock the cassette in a fixed position during printing.
WO 2006/013466 (DYMO) describes a cassette locking and ejection configuration for a label printer device. There is provided a label printer including a cassette receiving bay into which a tape cassette is inserted. The cassette receiving bay is provided with a plurality of spring-loaded discharge members that discharge the cassette from the cassette receiving bay. When the cassette is inserted into the cassette receiving bay, the pair of locking members appropriately hold the cassette against the biasing force exerted by the discharge member. To eject the cassette, the locking member is disengaged from the cassette and thus the cassette is pushed out of the cassette receiving bay by the force exerted by the ejection member.

  The configuration described above has a problem that when the user inserts the cassette into the cassette receiving bay, the cassette may not properly engage with all the locking members. This can occur, for example, when the user pushes and inserts only one end of the cassette. When the cassette is engaged with one but not all of the locking members, the cassette is correctly aligned with respect to the platen and print head, even if the cassette can be maintained in the cassette receiving bay against the biasing force of the ejection member. Can't be done.

WO 2006/013466 (DYMO) has a pair of locking members that are spring biased toward the locking position so as to lock the cassette inserted into the cassette receiving bay accordingly. However, if the label printer apparatus receives a sudden impact, that is, if the user drops it, the locking member may move against the biasing force of the spring to release the cassette. Thus, if the user subsequently resumes printing using the label printer device, the cassette may not be properly locked in the correct position for printing within the cassette receiving bay, thus adversely affecting printing or rendering it unprintable.
Further, if the cassette inserted into the cassette receiving bay does not properly engage with one or more of the plurality of locking members, the user can determine which locking member is not correctly engaged with the cassette, I don't know how this can be fixed.

WO2006 / 013466

  It is to provide a label printer that solves the conventional problems.

According to one aspect of the invention, the cassette comprises at least one portion that engages a cooperating locking element in the tape printer when the cassette is correctly positioned in the tape printer, Is provided with an elongated conductive bar extending along the cassette in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roll supply stored in the cassette.
Preferably, at least a part of the elongated conductive bar protrudes from the surface of the cassette.
The conductive bar is preferably received within at least one support in at least one region of its length.
The conductive bar is preferably supported by the at least one support at a substantially middle portion of the length.

The at least one support preferably includes first and second receiving portions that support opposite ends of the conductive bar.
Preferably, the conductive bar is friction fitted in the support.
The friction fit preferably includes either a push fit or a bullet fit.
The support preferably includes a U-shape.
The section of the conductive bar between the first and second receiving portions is preferably spaced from the surface of the cassette.

Preferably, the cassette further includes a rib positioned proximal to the conductive bar.
The ribs preferably have a longitudinal axis extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conductive bar.
Preferably, the conductive bar is friction fitted between the at least one support and the rib.

Preferably, the cassette includes a flange that protrudes from one side of the cassette, and the flange includes the conductive bar.
Preferably, the cassette includes a recess in the side, and the collar is positioned in the recess.
Preferably, the cassette includes a second conductive bar.
Preferably, the second conductive bar is positioned on the side of the cassette opposite the conductive bar.

Preferably, the cassette includes a base portion, an upper portion, and at least one side portion extending between the base portion and the upper portion, and the conductive bar is included on the at least one side portion.
The conductive bar preferably contains a metal.
The conductive bar preferably has a cylindrical cross section.
The main body of the cassette preferably includes a plastic material.
The roll supply preferably includes at least one of an image receiving tape and an ink ribbon supply.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a label printing apparatus as a cassette receiving bay adapted to receive a cassette, a base portion, an opening facing the base portion, the base portion and the opening. A cassette locking mechanism including a cassette receiving bay having a side wall extending between the portions, and at least one locking element having a locking position for engaging with a cassette inserted in the cassette receiving bay; Cassette detecting means operable to determine whether one locking element is engaged with a cassette inserted in the cassette receiving bay, wherein the cassette detecting means is attached to the at least one locking element. At least one conductive surface disposed, the locking element biasing the locking element when the cassette is inserted into the cassette receiving bay A first surface engaging the surface of the cassette, and a second surface configured to contact the conductive portion of the cassette and maintain the cassette when the cassette is correctly inserted into the cassette receiving bay. A label printing apparatus is provided.

The first and second surfaces of the locking element are preferably inclined.
The inclined first and second surfaces are preferably converged toward a coupling portion where the inclined first and second surfaces are coupled.
Preferably, the locking element is configured to be biased into engagement with an inclined or ribbed surface of the cassette when the cassette is inserted into the label printing apparatus.
Preferably, the locking element includes at least one shoulder adjacent to the inclined first surface portion.

Preferably, the conductive surface covers the inclined second surface, the shoulder and the rear side of the locking element and extends in the terminal direction of the conductive surface.
The conductive surface preferably includes a concave curved portion adjacent to the inclined second surface.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a cassette for a label printing apparatus, the step of providing a cassette main body having a base portion, an upper portion, and a base portion extending between the upper portion, and the cassette. And inserting a conductive bar into the receiving portion of the tape and extending the conductive bar along the cassette in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roll supply housed in the cassette. .

The conductive bar is preferably manually inserted into the receiving portion.
The conductive bar is preferably inserted into the receiving part as part of an automated process.
It is preferable that the conductive bar is friction-fitted in the receiving portion.
The friction fit is preferably either a push fit or a bullet fit.

  A label printer that solves the conventional problems is provided.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a label printer with the lid of the label printer open and without a cassette. FIG. 2 is another upper perspective view of the label printer shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view illustrating the position of the first locking element of the label printer shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view illustrating the position of the first discharge element of the label printer shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view illustrating the position of the second discharge element of the label printer shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view illustrating the position of the second discharge element of the label printer shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an illustration of the label printer illustrated in FIG. 1 illustrating the position of the first locking element and the first ejection element with the cassette incorporated in a cassette receiving bay (the cassette is not shown for clarity). It is an upper perspective view. FIG. 8 is another upper perspective view of the label printer shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view illustrating the position of the first locking element shown in FIG. 3 during insertion / ejection of the cassette. FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view illustrating the position of the first discharge element shown in FIG. 4 during insertion / discharge of the cassette. FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view illustrating the positions of the second locking element and the second ejection element shown in FIG. 5 during insertion / ejection of the cassette. FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view illustrating the position of the third ejection element shown in FIG. 6 during insertion / ejection of the cassette. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the discharge mechanism and locking mechanism of the label printer of FIG. FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of the right side portion of the label printer of FIG. 1 showing the discharge mechanism. FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the label printer of FIG. FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the left side portion of the label printer of FIG. 1, showing the print head stop mechanism with the label printer lid open and the cassette not inserted. FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of the first locking element shown in FIG. 3 showing the cassette detecting means according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a cassette according to one embodiment. FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the cassette of FIG. 20 is a side sectional view of the cassette of FIG. FIG. 21 is a side sectional view of the cassette of FIG. FIG. 21A is a perspective view of a portion of a cassette according to one embodiment. FIG. 22 shows (i) the situation where the first and second locking elements are correctly engaged with the cassette, (ii) the first locking element is correctly engaged with the cassette, and the second locking element is correctly engaged with the cassette. Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a cassette inserted into a cassette receiving bay showing a situation where no. FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view of the first locking element shown in FIG. 3, showing a cassette detecting means according to another embodiment. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a cassette according to still another embodiment. FIG. 25 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing details of a part of the cassette of FIG. FIG. 26 is a partial enlarged sectional view of a part of the cassette of FIG. FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a locking element of a label printer according to one embodiment. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a locking element of a label printer according to one embodiment. FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a locking element of a label printer according to one embodiment. FIG. 30 is a partial side sectional view showing the locking element engaged with the cassette of the label printing apparatus. FIG. 31 is a partial side sectional view showing the locking element that engages with the cassette of the label printing apparatus when the lid of the label printing apparatus is closed. FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a cassette according to still another embodiment. FIG. 33 is a plan view of the cassette of FIG. 33A-33D are cross-sectional views of the cassette of FIG. FIG. 34 is a detailed view of FIGS. 33A-33D. FIG. 35 is a detailed view of FIGS. 33A-33D. FIG. 36 is a detailed view of FIGS. 33A-33D. FIG. 37 is a detailed view of FIGS. 33A-33D. FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a label printer according to still another embodiment. FIG. 39 is a partial cross-sectional view of the label printer of FIG. 38 in a state including a cassette. 41 is a partial cross-sectional view of the label printer of FIG. 9 with the cassette fully inserted. FIG. 42 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for producing the cassette embodiment described herein. FIG. 43 is a side view of a locking element of a label printer according to another embodiment. FIG. 44 is a side view of a locking element of a label printer according to another embodiment. FIG. 45 is a side view of a locking element of a label printer according to another embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a label printer 2 includes a body portion 4, a lid (or cover) 6, and a cassette receiving bay 8. The cassette receiving bay 8 has an upper opening for vertically inserting the cassette at the upper part of the barrel. Alternatively, an opening can be provided on another side of the label printer 2. The lid 6 is hinged so as to cover and close the upper opening. In another embodiment, the lid (or cover) may be a removable lid that is completely removable from the body 4 of the label printer 2 in its open position.

  The cassette receiving bay 8 includes a recess that forms an opening for receiving the cassette. The recess is formed by a base portion 10 and a side wall 12 extending from the base portion 10 to the upper opening. A platen 14 and a print head 16 are provided in the cassette receiving bay 8. Since the print head 16 is movable in the direction of the platen 14, printing is performed on the tape passing between the print head and the platen in cooperation with the platen 14. The platen 14 is driven by a motor (not shown) to advance the tape during printing. When the cassette is inserted into the cassette receiving bay 8, the ink ribbon take-up sprocket 18 that cooperates with the ink ribbon take-up spool of the cassette is extended from the base portion 10. The sprocket 18 is driven by a motor (not shown) to wind the ink ribbon around the ink ribbon take-up spool during printing. An exit slit 19 is provided in the body 4 of the label printer that forms an exit through which the printed tape is fed. A cutting mechanism 21 that cuts off the printed portion of the tape and provides a printed label is provided adjacent to the exit slit 19.

  A first discharge element 24 is shown on the side wall of the cassette receiving bay 8. FIG. 1 also shows a locking element 26 of a locking mechanism (not shown) on the left side of the cassette receiving bay 8. The locking element 26 is described in detail below. An actuator button 29 that activates the locking mechanism is provided on the surface of the body 4.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a second discharge element 28 of a second discharge mechanism (not shown) is shown on the side wall of the cassette receiving bay 8 facing the first discharge element 24. A third discharge element 30 of a third discharge mechanism (not shown) is positioned on the right side of the cassette receiving bay 8. A second locking element 32 of a locking mechanism (not shown) is positioned on the right side of the cassette receiving bay 8.

  3, 4, 5, and 6, each locking element 26, 32 and discharge element 24, 28, 30 are provided in a side position of the cassette receiving bay 8 and are opened through the opening in each side. It extends into the receiving bay 8 and interacts with the cassette thus inserted.

  Each locking element 26, 32 includes a convex portion 34 and an elongated element 36 extending from the base portion 10 toward the upper opening direction of the cassette receiving bay 8. The protrusion 34 is located at the top end position of the elongated element 36 and extends toward the center of the cassette receiving bay 8 through a corresponding opening in the side wall 12 of the cassette receiving bay 8. Each protrusion 34 has an inclined upper surface that moves the locking element from the locked position to the unlocked position in cooperation with the cassette inserted into the cassette receiving bay 8. One of the side walls of the cassette receiving bay 8 has a portion that projects into the cassette receiving bay 8 and forms a guide 39 for the corresponding recess of the cassette that is inserted into the cassette receiving bay 8. The locking element 32 is positioned in an opening in the guide 39 and extends therefrom into the cassette receiving bay 8 thus forming a guide and locking arrangement under combination. Lock elements 26 and 32 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5 show an example of the structure of the lock elements, and can be configured in other ways (see, for example, FIGS. 27 and 29).

Each discharge element 24, 28, 30 extends from the side wall of the cassette receiving bay 8 to a part of the cassette receiving bay 8 and has a free end that is not connected to other structural elements. The discharge elements 24, 28, 30 include elongate elements 36 that extend orthogonally with respect to the sidewalls through the openings in the sidewalls.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, when the cassette is inserted into the cassette receiving bay 8, the first, second and third discharge elements 24, 28 and 30 are pushed down by the base portion 10, and the first and second locking elements are pressed. Elements 26 and 32 take the locked position.

9, 10, 11 and 12 illustrate the positions of the locking elements 26 and 32 and the discharge elements 24, 28 and 30 when a cassette is inserted into the cassette bay 8. In FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12, the cassette is not shown for clarity.
The cassette contacts the locking elements 26, 32 and the ejection elements 24, 28, 30 during insertion. The protrusions 34 of the locking elements 26, 32 have an upper surface that is inclined so that the locking elements 26, 32 are pushed back into the corresponding openings in the side wall 12 by the cassette when the cassette is inserted. The locking elements 26, 32 are in the unlocked position. The locking elements 26, 32 are spring loaded to move to the locking position when the cassette is fully loaded as shown in FIGS. Locking elements 26, 32 prevent the cassette from interacting with its locking feature and moving upward. The discharge elements 24, 28, 30 are spring loaded and cooperate with the underside of the cassette.

  When the user depresses the eject button 29 to eject the cassette, the locking elements 26 and 32 are pushed back into the corresponding openings in the side wall 12 of the cassette receiving bay 8 and the locking mechanism is unlocked. The cassette is thus released and the ejection elements 24, 28, 30 push up the cassette so that it can be easily removed from the printer 2.

  Hereinafter, the locking mechanism and the discharging mechanism will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. The discharge mechanisms 41 each include a body portion 40. A hole 2 is formed adjacent to the first end 40 a of the body 40, and the axis of the hole is arranged in parallel with the first end 40 a of the body 40. The hole 42 has a circular cross section. A rack portion 44 is included along the second end portion 40b opposite to the first end portion 40a of the body portion 40. The discharge element 46 is vertically extended from a point position adjacent to the first end 40a of the body 40, that is, a plane extending between the first end 40a and the second end 40b from a position adjacent to the hole 42. The The discharge element 46 is configured to extend through a slit (not shown) in the side wall 12 of the cassette receiving bay 8. The discharge element 46 is configured to extend through a slit (not shown) in the side wall 12 of the cassette receiving bay 8. Each discharge mechanism 41 further includes a biasing member 48 at the bottom position of the first end 40 a of the body 40. The biasing member 48 is extended in the plane of the body 40 perpendicular to the axis of the hole 42. The biasing member 48 is connected to one end of a tension spring 50 that biases the discharge element 46 toward the top end of the corresponding slit (not shown) of the side wall 12 of the cassette receiving bay 8. The top end of the slit of the side wall 12 is an end adjacent to the upper opening of the cassette receiving bay 8, and the bottom end of the slit is the end adjacent to the base 10 of the cassette receiving bay 8.

  The discharge mechanism 41 is mounted on a shaft 52 that extends through the hole 42 of the body 40. A damper 54 is disposed adjacent to the rack portion 44 of the body portion 40. The damper 54 is disposed adjacent to the rack portion 44 of the body portion 40. The damper 54 includes a pinion (or gear) 56 that is rotatably attached to the damper attachment member 58.

  FIG. 14 shows the discharge mechanism 41 of the label printer 2. As shown in FIG. 14, the discharge mechanism 41 includes an ejector housing 60. The ejector housing 60 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The shaft 52 of the discharge mechanism 41 is disposed so as to be coaxial with the ejector housing 60. Accordingly, the body 40 is slidably mounted in the ejector housing 60 by the shaft 52 that passes through the hole 42 formed at the position of the first end 40 a of the body 40. The ejector housing 60 includes a first elongated opening (not shown) along its length. The first elongated opening of the ejector housing 60 is aligned with a corresponding slit formed in the side wall 12 of the cassette receiving bay 8. The discharge element 46 of the discharge mechanism 41 passes through the first elongated opening, passes through the slit in the side wall 12, and enters the cassette receiving bay 8, thus interacting with the cassette. The ejector housing 60 further includes a second elongated opening (not shown) through which the biasing member 48 of the body 40 passes. As shown in FIG. 14, the biasing member 48 is attached to the lower end portion of the spring 50, that is, the end portion of the spring 50 closest to the base portion 10 of the cassette receiving bay 8. The ejector housing 60 includes a fixed extension 62 disposed at an upper end position adjacent to the upper portion of the second elongated opening. The upper end of the spring 50 is attached to the fixed extension 62. Accordingly, the spring 50 acts to bias the body 40 of the discharge mechanism 41 toward the upper end of the ejector housing 60. The ejector housing 60 further includes a third elongated opening (not shown) through which the rack portion 44 at the position of the second end portion 40b of the trunk portion 40 passes. The third elongated opening is aligned with respect to the damper 54 such that the rack portion 44 meshes with the pinion 56 of the damper 54.

  Hereinafter, the locking mechanism will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The locking mechanism includes two locking elements 26, 32. As described above, the locking elements 26, 32 include an elongated element 36 and a protrusion 34, respectively. Each convex portion 34 has an inclined upper surface that cooperates with the cassette inserted in the cassette receiving bay 8 to move the locking elements 26 and 32 from the locked position to the unlocked position. The locking elements 26, 32 are interconnected by an activation bar 64. Each locking element 26, 32 is connected to the activation bar 64 by a respective connecting member 66, 68 extending in an orthogonal direction with respect to the locking element. The locking elements 26, 32 have rotation centers 70, 72 on opposite sides of the activation bar 64. The rotation centers 70 and 72 include pivot points attached to the printer body 4. A return spring 74 is provided to bias the locking elements 26, 32 in the direction of the locking position. The activation bar 64 has a center of rotation 76 and also includes a pivot point located on the printer body 4. The first locking element 26 is a slot 78 provided at the distal end of the connecting member 66 with respect to the first locking element 26 and cooperates with the pin 80 provided at the first end 65 of the activation bar 64. A working slot is rotatably connected to the activation bar 64. Similarly, the second locking element 32 is rotatably connected to the second end of the activation bar 64.

  Referring to FIG. 16, when the cassette is inserted and the lid 6 is opened, the eject button 29 is adjacent to the cassette receiving bay 8 so that the cassette is ejected from the cassette receiving bay 8 when pressed by the user. Arranged. The discharge button 29 includes an actuator part 82. The upper end (not shown) of the actuator part has a circular cross section and is extended through an opening in the upper surface of the label printer 2 so that the user can push it. The lower end of the actuator portion 82 includes first and second tubular portions 83 and 84 and a flange portion 85 disposed between the portions. The flange portion 85 of the actuator portion of the discharge button is angled at an angle of about 45 ° at its lower end position. First and second button guide shafts 86 and 87 are attached to the printer body 4 and penetrate the first and second tubular portions 83 and 84 of the actuator portion 82, respectively, thus the actuator portion 82 pushed by the user. Guide the movements. The first and second discharge button springs 88 and 89 are disposed on the first and second guide shafts 86 and 87, respectively, so as to bias the actuator portion 82 in the upper direction of the label printer 2.

  Referring to FIG. 17, the first locking element 26 includes a cassette detection device. In this embodiment, the cassette detection device includes first and second contact pads 302 coupled to the cassette detection circuit 310 by first and second conductive coupling portions 306 and 308 such as wires, conductive pads, and conductive materials. 304 is included. These conductive couplings are referred to below as wires, but this is only an example and the wires could be replaced with any other suitable conductive configuration. The first and second contact pads 302 and 304 are disposed on the lower surface (surface engaged with the cassette) of the convex portion 34 of the first locking element 26. The first wire 306 is coupled to the first contact pad 302 at one end thereof, extends from the first contact pad 302 along the surface of the elongated element 36, and is coupled to the cassette detection circuit 310 at the other end. Similarly, the second wire 308 couples the second contact pad 304 to the cassette detection circuit 310. In this embodiment, the second locking element 32 is provided with similar first and second contact pads 302, 304, which are coupled to the cassette detection circuit 310 via first and second wires 306, 308, respectively. 27 to 29 show still another locking element.

FIG. 18 illustrates a cassette according to one embodiment. The cassette 400 includes a base portion 402, an upper portion 404, and side portions 406, 408, 410 and 412 that couple the base portion 402 to the upper portion 404. The cassette 400 also includes a recess 414 that receives the print head when the cassette 400 is inserted into a label printer.
Cassette 400 also carries a supply of image receiving tape 416 and an ink ribbon 418. The printed image receiving tape exits the cassette via the outlet 420 and the ink ribbon is wound on the ink ribbon take-up spool 422 in the cassette 400.

The cassette side 406 includes a recess 424. Recess 424 includes a locking element generally designated 425. The locking element 425 includes a collar 426 on which an elongated conductive bar 428 is attached. The conductive bar 428 may have a cylindrical or any other cross-section such as a square, rectangle, hexagon. Conductive bar 428 is held in seats or receptacles 430 and 432 at either side position of its collar 426. The area of the conductive bar 428 between the seats 430 and 432 is spaced from the surface of the cassette 400 and the collar 426. That is, the conductive bar 428 spans the trough portion 434 of the flange portion 426.
The recess 436 of the cassette 400 is more clearly shown in FIG.

  Similar to the recess 424 described with respect to FIG. 18, the recess 436 includes a locking element, generally indicated by the numeral 437, including the collar 438. The collar part 438 supports the elongated second conductive bar 440 held in the receiving parts 442 and 333 of the seat part or collar part 438 at either end position. The second conductive bar 440 may have any cross-sectional shape such as a cylindrical shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a hexagonal shape, and the like. The second conductive bar 440 spans the trough 446 of the collar 438.

20 and 21 are sectional views of the cassette 400. FIG.
FIG. 20 shows the arrangement of the conductive bars 428 on the collar 426. In FIG. 20, the upper surface of the conductive bar 428 is shown flush with the upper edge of the collar 426 (ie, within the seats 432 and 430), but in other embodiments, each end of the conductive bar 428 is seated. It can protrude from the parts 430 and 432 or indent into the seat.
FIG. 21 shows the arrangement of the conductive bars 440 in the flange 438. The ends of the conductive bar 440 are shown flush with the seats 442 and 444 of the collar 438, but in other embodiments, each end of the conductive bar 440 also protrudes from the seats 442 and 444 or It can be invaginated in the seat.

  FIG. 21A shows yet another embodiment of cassette 400 '. A conductive bar 428 'is positioned on the collar 426'. Specifically, the conductive bar 428 'is positioned between the receiving portions 430' and 432 '. The conductive bar 428 'can be friction fitted between the receiving portions 430' and 432 ', such as by push fit or bullet fit. Alternatively, the conductive bar 428 'can be attached to the receiving portions 430' and 432 'by an adhesive such as glue. Alternatively, the conductive bar 428 'can be molded in-mold during the injection molding process. The cassette 400 'also includes a rib 427' that protrudes from the upper surface of the collar 426 '. Ribs 427 'are positioned close to the conductive bars 428'. The rib 427 'has a longitudinal axis extending parallel to and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the conductive bar 428'. The rib 427 'may have any cross-sectional shape such as a quadrangle, a circle, and a semicircle. The ribs 427 'may act as a guide to help ensure that the conductive bar 428' inserted between the receivers 430 'and 432' ensures an accurate position between the receivers. The rib 427 'also acts as a wall that stops the conductive bar 428' from being ejected from the receiving portions 430 'and 432'. The ribs 427 'also prevent the conductive bars 428' from being easily detached from the cassette, thus preventing unintentional removal of the conductive bars 428 '. In some embodiments, the rib 427 'is slightly spaced from the conductive bar 428'. In other embodiments, the ribs 427 'are engaged with the conductive bars 428'. In such an embodiment, the conductive bar 428 'frictionally engages the receivers 430', 432 'and the ribs 427' when properly inserted. In this figure, the conductive bar 428 'is spaced a distance Z from the side wall of the cassette 400', but the distance Z can be any distance including zero (in this case, the conductive bar 428 'also contacts the side wall of the cassette). Shall.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the above-described locking mechanism, discharging mechanism, and cassette detecting means will be described. When no cassette is inserted in the cassette receiving bay 8, the spring 50 of each discharge mechanism 41 is in an unstretched state, and thus each discharge element 24, 28, 30 is a corresponding slot in the side wall 12 of the cassette receiving bay 8. It is arranged at the upper end position. The locking elements 26 and 32 of the locking mechanism are biased toward the locking position by a return spring 74 that acts on the activation bar 64.

  When a cassette is inserted into the cassette receiving bay 8, the base portion of the cassette pushes down the discharge elements 24, 28, 30. Then, the body 40 of each discharge element moves downward along the shaft 52 to extend the spring 50. As the body portion 40 moves downward, the rack portion 44 meshes with the pinion 56 of the damper 54. Accordingly, the pinion 56 of the damper 54 rotates as the cassette is inserted, providing resistance to the cassette against the force with which the user inserts the cassette into the cassette receiving bay 8. The resistance provided by the engagement of the pinion 56 with the rack portion 44 is selected so that the force required for the user to insert the cassette into the cassette receiving bay 8 is not so great that the components of the ejection mechanism can be damaged. It is preferred that

  When the cassette is fully inserted into the cassette receiving bay, the locking elements 26, 32 engage a corresponding portion of the cassette and resist the force exerted on the base of the cassette by the ejection elements 24, 28, 30. The cassette is held in the cassette receiving bay 8. Specifically, the convex portion 34 of the first locking element 26 engages with the conductive bar 428 of the cassette 400. Accordingly, the first and second contact pads 302, 304 of the first locking element 26 are in contact with the conductive bar 428. The conductive bar 428 is dimensioned such that when the locking element engages the conductive bar 428, a conductive bond is created between the first and second contact pads. Similarly, the protrusion 34 of the second locking element 32 engages the conductive bar 440. Accordingly, the first and second contact pads 302, 304 of the second locking element 32 come into contact with the conductive bar 440 of the cassette 400. The conductive bar 440 is dimensioned such that when the locking element engages the locking member, a conductive coupling is created between the first and second contact pads.

  The cassette detection circuit 310 indicates that the first and second locking elements 26, 32 are engaged with the conductive bars 428 and 440 of the cassette, and the first and second contact pads 302, It can be detected by replacing a resistance, voltage or current measurement between 304 or an analog or digital measurement of this measurement. For example, if a voltage is applied to the first contact pad, a current flows between the first and second contact pads 302 and 304 via the conductive bars 428 and 440. Therefore, the cassette detection circuit can determine whether the first and second locking elements 26 and 32 are correctly engaged with the cassette by detecting this current flow.

  Referring to FIG. 22 (i), when the cassette is correctly inserted and the first and second locking elements 26, 32 are both correctly engaged, the cassette detection circuit determines that the cassette has been correctly inserted and printed. Can be started. Referring to FIG. 22 (ii), for example, if the cassette is inserted with non-uniform force, one of the locking elements may not be correctly engaged with the cassette. In this case, since the first and second contact pads 303, 304 of the second locking element 32 do not contact the conductive bar 440 of the cassette 400, no current flows between these pads. The cassette detection circuit determines that the second locking element 32 is not properly engaged with the cassette.

  If the cassette detection circuit determines that one or more of the locking elements 26, 32 are not properly engaged with the cassette, a label printer controller (not shown) controls the label printer to prevent printing. . Furthermore, the controller may inform the user that the cassette has not been correctly inserted via display means (not shown) which may be a liquid crystal display. In this embodiment, the cassette detection circuit is operable to determine which one or more locking elements 26, 32 are not properly engaged with the cassette. Thus, the controller can inform the user via the display means which locking element is not engaged with the cassette, and even what to do to correctly insert the cassette. For example, the controller may display a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 22 (ii) on the display means to indicate which side of the cassette should be pressed to properly insert the cassette. Such an indication may also be displayed, for example, when one or more locking elements are disengaged from the cassette due to a sudden impact of the printer due to falling. The indication may be displayed even if one or more locking elements are disengaged from the cassette while transporting a label printer incorporating the cassette.

When the cassette is correctly inserted, the cassette detection circuit detects the engagement between the locking elements 26 and 32 and the cassette, and the controller starts printing.
After printing, the cassette can be ejected by the user pressing the eject button 29. When the discharge button 29 is pressed, the actuator portion 82 moves downward, and the angled flange portion 85 is pressed against the first end portion 65 of the activation bar 64. Referring again to FIG. 15, the actuator bar 82 rotates counterclockwise (as viewed in the figure) around its rotation center 76. Therefore, the connecting member 66 of the first locking element 26 rotates around the rotation center 70 in the clockwise direction to move the first locking element 26 to the unlocked position. At the same time, the connecting member 68 of the second locking element 32 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation center 72 to move the second locking element 32 to the unlocked position.

  When the locking elements 26, 32 are in the unlocked position, the cassette is free to move by the force exerted by the discharge elements 24, 28, 30. As the extension spring 50 of the discharge mechanism 41 contracts, the discharge elements 24, 28, and 30 raise the corresponding slit of the side wall 12 of the cassette receiving bay 8 to push the cassette out of the cassette receiving bay 8. At the same time, the rack portion 44 of each discharge mechanism 41 meshes with the corresponding pinion 56 of the damper 54. Accordingly, the engagement between the rack portion 44 and the pinion 56 provides resistance to the upward movement of the discharge elements 24, 28, 30. Thus, by using the damper 54, the acceleration in the upward direction of the discharge element due to the force of the extension spring 50 is attenuated. Thus, the cassette is gradually discharged from the cassette receiving bay 8. The degree of resistance provided by the pinion 56 of the damper 54 can be determined by the viscosity of the oil used for pinion lubrication with respect to the damper mount 58.

  In other embodiments, only one of the locking elements may be provided with a contact pad that detects that this particular locking element is engaged with the cassette. In this case, the user can be informed whether the locking element provided with the contact pad is correctly engaged with the cassette. One locking element provided with a contact pad is preferably positioned adjacent to the print head so that it is detected that the cassette is positioned adjacent to the position where the image is formed on the tape. . In other embodiments, the label printer is provided with only one locking element for holding the cassette in the cassette receiving bay. In this case, the contact pad for detecting the insertion of the cassette may be provided on a single locking element. A single locking element is preferably positioned adjacent to the print head.

  Referring to FIG. 23, yet another embodiment is shown wherein the first locking element 26 is coupled to the cassette detection circuit 310 by a conductive coupling 306, which can be any suitable format such as wire or the like. A single contact pad 302 is provided. Similarly, the second locking element 32 is provided with a single contact pad coupled to the cassette detection circuit 310 by a conductive coupling such as a wire 306 or the like. In this embodiment, a conductive coupling may be provided between the two conductive locking elements of the cassette. When the cassette is correctly inserted, the circuit is complete.

FIG. 24 shows another embodiment of the cassette. The cassette 500 includes a base portion 502, an upper portion 504, and a side portion 506 that couples the base portion 502 to the upper portion 504. The supply of the image receiving tape 516 is stored in the cassette 500, and after printing, the supply is discharged from the cassette via the outlet 520. Cassette 500 also includes a recess 514 that receives the print head when inserted into a label printer.
Cassette 500 is generally designated by number 525 and also includes a locking portion similar to the locking portion of the cassette shown in FIGS.

The locking portion 525 includes a rib or collar 526 that extends around the side 506 of the cassette 500. The seat portions 530 and 532 are seated on the upper surface of the flange portion 526, and the conductive bar 528 is supported by the seat portion or the receiving portions 530 and 532 at either end position.
Details of the locking portion 525 are shown in FIGS.
FIG. 25 shows how the conductive bar 528 is supported by the seats 530 and 532. Locking portion 525 also includes a trough 534 that spans a conductive bar 528 between seats 530 and 532. The conductive bar 528 can again have any cross-sectional shape.

  FIG. 26 shows a sectional view of the cassette 500. The lower edge of the conductive bar 528 is placed in the trough 534 between the seats 530 and 532, and the upper part is seated on the protrusion of the trough 534. In other embodiments, the conductive bar can be spaced from the surface of the cassette 500 in the region between the seats 530 and 532.

  FIG. 32 shows a cassette according to yet another embodiment. Cassette 700 includes a base portion 702, an upper portion 704, and side portions 706, 708, 710 and 712. The cassette also includes a print head recess 714. Some of the features of the cassette are symmetric about the center line 715. For example, the locking portion 725 is symmetric about the center line 715. This allows the cassette 700 to be used in two types of cassette receiving bays that mirror each other.

The locking portion 725 includes a first conductive bar 728 that is received at either end position by a seat or receiver 730 and 732. The first conductive bar 728 is positioned above the collar 726 that attaches the elongated rib 727 to the top thereof.
The locking portion 725 also includes a second conductive bar 760 that is received at either end position by a seat or receiver 762 and 764 and an elongated rib 766 that is positioned adjacent to the conductive bar 760. Including.

FIG. 33 shows a plan view of the cassette 700. Conductive bar 728 is visible in this view. It will be appreciated that still other locking elements 711 including one or more conductive bars (similar to the side shown in FIG. 32) are also on the side 710.
FIG. 33A is a cross-sectional view of the cassette 700 taken along line XX of FIG. In this figure, the conductive bar is in the cassette. See FIG. 34 for details A.
FIG. 33B is a cross-sectional view of cassette 700 along line XX of FIG. In this figure, the conductive bar is omitted. See FIG. 35 for details B.
FIG. 33C is a cross-sectional view of the cassette 700 taken along line YY of FIG. In this figure, the conductive bar is in the cassette. See FIG. 36 for details C.
FIG. 33D is a cross-sectional view of cassette 700 along line YY of FIG. In this figure, the conductive bar is omitted. See FIG. 37 for details D.

FIG. 34 shows details A of FIG. Detail A is a cross-sectional view through the conductive bars 776 and 778 of the locking portion 711. The conductive bar 776 is received in the receiving portion or seat 780, and the conductive bar 778 is received in the receiving portion or seat 782.
FIG. 35 shows detail B. In this figure, conductive bars 776 and 778 are omitted for clarity. From this figure, it will be appreciated that the receiver 780 tapers to a rear wall 784 that extends vertically and conforms to the upper portion 704 of the cassette. That is, the rear wall 784 is connected to an inclined wall 786 that is inclined to a lower region (as shown in FIG. 34) in which the conductive bar 776 is accommodated. The receiver 780 also includes a region 788 that is also angled to match the region in which the conductive bar 776 is received.

  These inclined walls facilitate the insertion of the conductive bar 776. Inclined surfaces 786 and 790 act as a guide for smoothly and correctly positioning the conductive bar 776 upon insertion. The rear wall 784 is laterally spaced from where the conductive bar 776 is located, and also provides space for the user's hand or automated equipment item when the conductive bar 776 is inserted. (See also FIG. 42.)

The material forming the seat or receiver of the conductive bar also has some elasticity or flexibility. Thus, the seat is slightly resiliently spaced so that the conductive bar can be inserted, and then resiliently returns to its original position, holding the conductive bar firmly.
It will be appreciated that the receiver 782 has a similar structure. This structure also applies to other areas of the cassette where the conductive bars are located, for example seats 730, 732, 762 and 764.

FIG. 36 shows detail C of FIG. 33C. This figure is a cross-section along the line YY at a substantially intermediate portion along the conductive bars 776 and 778. The ribs 792 and 794 are clearly shown in this figure.
FIG. 37 is a cross section taken along line YY with the conductive bars 776 and 778 omitted. In FIG. 37, ribs 792 and 794 are also clearly shown. These ribs act like the ribs 427 ′ described in FIG. 21A and the ribs 727 and 766 described with reference to FIG.

Locking elements 26 and 32, for example as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 17, 22 and 23, have been described for locking cassettes in label printers.
27-29 show another embodiment of the locking element. The locking element is indicated generally by the numeral 626 in FIG. Locking element 626 includes conductive tracks 628 and 630 that engage corresponding conductive members on the cassette. The locking element 626 also includes an inclined portion 632 that protrudes upward from the locking portion. Either side of the ramp 632 is a shoulder 642 and 644 on which conductive tracks 628 and 630 are attached, respectively. The locking element 626 also includes a main barrel 634 in the form of an upright post.

  As can be seen from FIG. 28, the conductive track 628 extends along the ramp 629 from the front side of the locking element 626, crosses the top surface of the locking element over the shoulder 642, and then the locking element. 626 descends to the rear side 637. Thus, the conductive track 628 can be viewed as extending from the first end 636 to a terminal 638 that can be connected to a printer circuit. The conductive track 628 also includes a recessed bay 640 proximal to the first end 636. The concave bay can support assembly. Conductive track 630 (not shown in FIG. 28) is extended in the same manner as conductive track 628.

  The opposite side 637 of the locking element 626, in particular the opposite sides of the conductive tracks 628 and 630, is best shown in FIG. FIG. 29 also clearly shows the coupling portion 645 of the locking element 626. The coupling 645 penetrates into a corresponding hole in the label printing device so that the locking element 626 can be held therein.

  Also shown in FIG. 29 are protrusions 650 and 652 that protrude through holes in the conductive track. The convex portions 650 and 652 are for assembling the conductive tracks on the trunk portion by the heat steak process. During the heat steak process, the heat steak-treated protrusions 650 and 652 melt.

  30 and 31 show the interaction of the locking element 626 'with the cassette 400' inserted therein. Cassette 400 'includes a conductive bar 428'. The locking element 626 'includes conductive tracks 628' and 630 'that interact with the conductive bars 428' of the cassette 400 'to detect that the cassette 400' has been properly loaded into the tape printing apparatus. The purpose of the ramp 632 'of the locking element 626' will also be recognized from this figure. As the cassette 400 'is inserted into the tape printer apparatus, the collar 426' acts on the inclined portion 632 'of the locking element 626', thus moving the locking element 626 'in the direction of arrow X. When the cassette is inserted a predetermined distance and the hook 426 ′ and the conductive bar 428 ′ move below the innermost facing portion of the locking element 626 ′, the locking element 626 ′ returns elastically in the direction of arrow Y. Thus, the conductive bar 428 '(and eventually the cassette 400') is held in place by the locking element 626 '. Also shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 is a lid 650 '. The lid 650 'includes a protrusion or "door pal" 652' that protrudes into the cassette receiving bay of the tape printing apparatus.

  The function of the convex portion 652 ′ is best recognized by referring to FIG. 31. In this figure, the cassette receiving bay lid 650 'is shown in a closed position, with the bottom end 654' of the projection 652 'engaging the top of the locking element 626'. Accordingly, the movement of the locking element 626 'in the direction of the arrow X is prevented by the convex portion 652'. This ensures that engagement of the locking element 626 'and the locking portion of the cassette is maintained when the lid 650' is closed. Accordingly, the cassette 400 'is securely held in the tape printing apparatus. This also ensures that the cassette is held firmly even when subjected to printer drops or strong vibrations.

  FIG. 38 shows a portable label printer 802 according to another embodiment. The label printer 802 includes a cassette receiving bay 808 that includes a print head 816. Label printer 802 also includes a locking element 826. The locking element 826 is configured to operate in the same or similar manner as in the locking element described with respect to FIGS. Label printer 802 also includes a lid 850.

  FIG. 39 is a sectional view of the label printer 802. In this figure, a cassette 700 of the type described with reference to FIGS. The cassette is still in contact with the locking element 826 so that the locking element 826 is in its rest position, i.e., partially protruding into the cassette receiving bay 808.

  In FIG. 40, the cassette is further inserted. The locking portion 725 of the cassette contacts the locking element 826 and is therefore pushed back or deflected into the barrel of the label printer to exit the cassette receiving bay. This also occurs on the opposite side of the cassette where the locking portion 711 contacts the locking element 832 so that the locking element 832 exits the cassette receiving bay and enters the label printer body.

  In FIG. 41, the cassette 700 is fully inserted into the label printer 802 and the lid 850 is closed. In this figure, the locking elements 826 and 832 pass over the tops of the locking portions 725 and 711 of the cassette, so that the locking elements 826 and 832 are resiliently returned toward their rest position, some of which are in the cassette It is rushed into the receiving bay 808. In a manner similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 22 (i) and 31, the locking element 826 (and its conductive portion) contacts the conductive bar 728 of the locking portion 725 so that correct insertion of the cassette can be detected. . Similarly, the locking portion 832 can detect the insertion of a cassette by coupling with the conductive bar 776 of the locking portion 711. In FIG. 41, the lid 850 engages with the locking elements 826 and 832, respectively, to secure the locking element to the cassette locking portion when the cassette is fully inserted and the lid 850 is closed. It is shown to also include protrusions 860 and 862.

Several embodiments have been described in which the locking element or elements of the label printer have an inclined surface that deflects when the cassette is inserted into the label printer. In other embodiments, the surface of the cassette can be beveled or ribbed to deflect the locking element of the label printer when the cassette is received in the cassette receiving bay. In such an embodiment, the locking element or elements of the label printer do not necessarily have a corresponding inclined surface. In other embodiments, both the label printer cassette and the locking element or elements have corresponding inclined surfaces.
It should be appreciated that according to certain embodiments, improved cassette locking and detection can be provided. Proper insertion and locking of the cassette can be detected by providing a conductive member for cassette detection on the locking portion of the cassette. Furthermore, the particular structure of the cassette locking portion, such as a conductive bar, does not act only as a cassette detection means in certain embodiments, and the conductive member itself can also provide a locking function. For example, a suitably designed locking element of a tape printing device itself can be “hooked” onto a corresponding conductive bar or other locking portion on the cassette, thus holding the cassette firmly.

  In accordance with certain embodiments, an improved method of manufacturing a cassette that includes a cassette detection feature is also provided. For example, referring again to FIG. 18, the conductive bar 428 may be attached to the cassette 400 as a cassette manufacturing step. The conductive bar 428 can be manually attached to the cassette 400 or can be secured to the cassette as part of an automated process of cassette manufacture.

  Conductive bar 428 may be secured to cassette 400 at any suitable stage of the cassette manufacturing process. For example, the base portion 402, the top portion 404, the side portions 406, 408, 410, and 412 can be secured prior to attaching to each other. Alternatively, the conductive bar 428 can be secured to a cassette manufactured by other methods. The design of the receivers 430 and 432 that provide a push fit for the conductive bar 428 facilitates the manufacturing process because the conductive bar 428 can be quickly and easily mounted to the cassette 400. Any other type of friction fit, such as a bullet fit, can be used between the conductive bar 428 and the seat or receiver 430 and 432.

Conductive bar 428 may be secured to the cassette by an automated process, for example, a process using a robotic arm configured to insert conductive bar 428 into receiving portions 430 and 432.
FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram showing how the conductive bar 926 is inserted into the cassette 900. The device 902 has a configuration for inserting a conductive bar into the cassette 900. Device 902 is movable in the vertical direction as indicated by arrow 904. This device can also be moved forward and away from the drawing. In one embodiment, the device is also movable in the left-right direction with respect to FIG. Device 902 includes an arm portion 906. The apparatus may hold a supply of conductive bars, for example, in a hopper, or may collect conductive bars from the supply and insert them into cassette 900. Device 902 may hold conductive bar 926 by any known method, such as suction, or mechanical gripper, magnetic gripper, or the like. The device 902 can push the conductive bar 926 into the cassette, for example, by moving it vertically in the direction of arrow 904 or by other methods, such as pneumatic pressure. It will be appreciated that the arm 906 of the device needs to be in close proximity to the cassette in order for the conductive bar 926 to be inserted. Accordingly, a space 910 is provided in the cassette adjacent to the receiving portion of the conductive bar, which provides a moving space during which the arm 906 inserts the conductive bar 926. This can also be seen from FIG. 35, for example, where the rear wall 784 is shown spaced from the storage portion of the conductive bar 776.

  43-45 show a locking element of a label printer having a configuration for engaging a label cassette, according to another embodiment. In FIG. 43, the locking element is indicated generally by the number 1026. In this view, conductive track 1028 is shown separately from locking element 1026. As shown in FIGS. 44 and 45 (described in detail below), the conductive track 1028 can engage a corresponding conductive member on the cassette to detect its correct insertion into the label printer. The conductive track 1028 is configured to be attached to the locking element 1026.

  The locking element 1026 includes a coupling portion 1027 that couples the locking element to the cassette printer bay of the label printer. The locking element 1026 also includes an inclined portion 1032 that protrudes outward from the main body of the locking element 1026. The conductive track 1028 generally includes a first end 1036 and a second end 1038. In this embodiment, the second end 1038 includes a terminal of a conductive track. The first end 1036 includes two tracks 1050 and 1052 configured to be inserted through the slots 1054 and 1056 of the locking element 1026, respectively. The first end 1036 of the conductive track 1028 is shaped so that it can be manipulated to follow the contour of the ramp 1032 of the locking element 1026.

FIG. 44 shows a conductive track 1028 partially attached to the locking element 1026. To complete the insertion of the conductive track 1028, the second end 1038 of the conductive track is pushed down in the direction of arrow A to contact the rear side of the locking element 1026. The first end 1036 of the conductive track 1028 can also be manipulated to follow the contour of the ramp 1032 of the locking element 1026.
In one embodiment, the first side 1060 inserted into the label printer may be considered the “front” side of the locking element 1026 and facing the inside of the cassette printer's cassette receiving bay. The “opposite” side 1062 of the locking element 1026 faces the first side 1060 and faces the outside of the cassette receiving bay when inserted into the cassette printer's cassette receiving bay.

FIG. 45 shows the front side 1060 of the locking element 1026 with the conductive track 1028 mounted. From this figure, it will be appreciated that the conductive tracks 1050 and 1052 at the first end 1036 in front of the conductive track 1028 are folded back following the contour of the ramp 1032 of the locking element 1026. The second end 1038 of the conductive track 1028 is shown through the slot 1070 of the locking element 1026.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications can be made within the present invention.

2 Label printer 4 Printer body part 8 Cassette receiving bay 10 Base part 12 Side wall 14 Platen 16 Print head 18 Ink ribbon take-up sprocket / sprocket 19 Exit slit 21 Cutting mechanism 24 Discharge element / first discharge element 26 Locking element / first Locking element 28 Discharging element / second discharging element 29 Actuator button / discharging button 30 Discharging element / third discharging element 32 Locking element / second locking element 34 Convex part 36 Elongated element 39 Guide 40 Trunk part 40a First end Portion 40b second end portion 41 discharge mechanism 42 hole 44 rack portion 46 discharge element 48 biasing member 50 tension spring / extension spring 52 shaft 54 damper 56 pinion 58 damper attachment portion 60 ejector housing 62 fixed extension portion 64 start bar 65 first end Portions 66, 68 Connecting members 70, 72 Center of rotation 4 Spring 76 Rotation center 78 Slot 80 Pin 82 Actuator part, activation bar 83 Tubular part 85 Flange part 86 Button guide shaft 302 Contact pad 303 First contact pad 304 Second contact pad 306 Conductive coupling / first wire 308 Conductivity Coupling portion / second wire 310 Cassette detection circuit 400 Cassette 402 Base portion 404 Upper portion 406 Side portion 414 Recess 416 Tape 418 Ink ribbon 420 Outlet 424 Recess 425 Locking element 426 Hook portion 428 Conductive bar 430, 432 Seat portion 434 Trough Portion 436 recess 438 flange 440 second conductive bar 442, 444 seat portion 446 trough portion 500 cassette 502 base portion 504 upper portion 506 side portion 514 recess 516 tape 520 outlet 525 locking element 526 hook portion 528 conductive bar 530 seat 534 Trough portion 626 Locking element 628 Conductive track 629 Inclined portion 630 Conductive track 632 Inclined portion 634 Main trunk portion 636 First end portion 637 Rear side / opposite side portion 638 Terminal 640 Recessed bay portion 642 Shoulder portion 645 Coupling Portion 650 Protrusion 700 Cassette 702 Base 704 Upper / Upper 706 Side 711 Locking element 714 Printhead recess 715 Center line 725 Locking element 726 Elongation 727 Elongated rib / rib 728 First conductive bar / conductive bar 730 , 732, 762, 764 Seat 760 Second conductive bar / conductive bar 766 Elongated rib 776, 778 Conductive bar 780, 782 Part 784 Rear wall 786 Inclined wall, inclined surface 788 Area 792 Rib 802 Label printer 808 Cassette receiver Bay 816 Printhead 826, 832 Locking element 850 Lid 60 convex portion 900 cassette 902 904 arrow 906 arm portion / arm 910 space 926 conductive bar

Claims (27)

A cassette comprising at least a portion engaging a cooperating locking element of a tape printer,
The portion engages with the locking element when the cassette is correctly positioned in the printer, and the element is in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roll supply stored in the cassette. A cassette that includes an elongated conductive bar that extends along the cassette.   The cassette of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the elongated conductive bar protrudes from the surface of the cassette.   3. A cassette according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elongated conductive bar is received in at least one support in at least one region along its length.   4. A cassette according to claim 3, wherein the elongated conductive bar is supported by the at least one support at a substantially intermediate portion along its length.   The cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one support includes first and second receiving portions that support opposing ends of the elongated conductive bar.   The cassette according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the elongated conductive bar is friction-fitted in the support body.   The cassette according to claim 6, wherein the friction fit is one of a push fit and a bullet fit.   The cassette according to claim 3, wherein the support includes a U shape.   6. A cassette according to claim 5 and claim 5, wherein a section of the conductive bar between the first and second receptacles is spaced from the surface of the cassette.   10. A cassette according to any preceding claim further comprising a rib positioned proximal to the conductive bar.   11. A cassette according to claim 10, wherein the rib has a longitudinal axis extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conductive bar.   12. A cassette according to claim 10 or claim 11 quoting any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the conductive bar is friction fitted between the at least one support and the rib.   The cassette in any one of Claims 1-12 in which a cassette contains the collar part which protrudes from the side part of the said cassette, and the said collar part contains a conductive bar.   The cassette of claim 13, wherein the cassette includes a recess in the side and the collar is positioned in the recess.   The cassette according to claim 1, wherein the cassette includes a second conductive bar.   The cassette of claim 15, wherein the second conductive bar is positioned on the side of the cassette opposite the conductive bar.   17. A cassette according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the cassette includes a base, a top, and at least one side extending between the base and the top, and a conductive bar is included on the at least one side. The cassette described in 1.   The cassette according to claim 1, wherein the conductive bar includes a metal.   The cassette according to claim 1, wherein the conductive bar has a cylindrical cross section. A method of manufacturing a cassette for a label printing apparatus,
Providing a cassette main body having a base portion, an upper portion, and a side portion extending between the base portion and the upper portion;
Inserting a conductive bar into the receiving portion of the cassette, and extending the conductive bar along the cassette in a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis of a roll-shaped supply stored in the cassette;
Including methods.   21. The method of claim 20, wherein the conductive bar is inserted into the receptacle as part of an automated process.   22. A method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the conductive bar is friction fitted within the receptacle.   23. The method of claim 22, wherein the friction fit includes one of a push fit and a bullet fit. A label printing device,
A cassette receiving bay configured to receive a cassette, a cassette receiving bay having a base, an opening facing the base, and a side wall extending between the base and the opening,
A cassette locking mechanism including at least one locking element having a locking position for engaging with a cassette inserted into the cassette receiving bay, the cassette locking mechanism;
Cassette detection means operable to determine whether the at least one locking element is engaged with a cassette inserted in the cassette receiving bay, the cassette detection means;
Including
The cassette detection means includes at least one conductive surface disposed on the at least one locking element;
The locking element includes a first surface that engages a surface of the cassette to bias the locking element when the cassette is inserted into the cassette receiving bay, and the cassette is correctly inserted into the cassette receiving bay. And a second surface configured to hold the cassette in contact with the conductive portion of the cassette when applied.   25. A label printing apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the first and second surfaces of the locking element are inclined.   26. The label printing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the inclined first and second surfaces are converged in a direction of a connecting portion that connects the inclined first and second surfaces.   The locking element is configured to be biased by engaging the locking or ribbed surface of the cassette when the cassette is inserted into the label printing apparatus. The label printing apparatus according to any one of 24 to 26.

Images